Pre-War Oil Filters?

[Django]

We're building my '36 cabriolet in a Pre-War style with Ford aluminum heads and an Edelbrock Slingshot (repro). I want to relocate the oil filter to the firewall as I've read this was common as it was in the way too much when tinkering with the motor. So what are my options? I know Fram was available then. And also swapping the canister out with one from a different brand that was easily mounted on the firewall worked too.

Any thoughts, pics or recollections?

 

[AJ]

There were a few made that can easily mount on a flat surface like a firewall. One that comes to mind are Ford tractor filters, very cheap to buy when you find one, and they look good. But Fram also made one to adapt universally to any car. Do an ebay search, you should find several brands/types.
Remember to use flexible lines on a firewall mounted filter.

 

[TerryOH]

the original Ford accessory oil filter for 36 was a AC it was mounted on the head with a bracket and a strap to hold it to the bracket. They are unusual and could be mounted to the firewall. The entire filter metal canister is a throw away when changing. Ken, CT mentioned that Wix sells a nearly identical filter. I believe the 39 Ford restoration book has photos of it. This was Fords only filter for their passenger cars from 36 to early 40. In 40 Ford went to the Fram as their accessory filter. So there were a couple of different suppliers of filters pre war-2

 

[alan]

buy one of the beehive style filters-would look right with carb/intake

 

[Django]

I already have a beehive, but I am almost positive that they weren't available until the '50s, so no good for building a car circa 1941.

I've not seen the AC. There are several GM units on ebay. Would that be similar to a '40 chevy? I've seen plenty of the FRAM canisters around. I'd have to get rid of that orange though! Did guys mount them on the firewall in a particular spot, or is anywhere fair game?

 

[Flathead Fever]

There were a few made that can easily mount on a flat surface like a firewall. One that comes to mind are Ford tractor filters, very cheap to buy when you find one, and they look good. But Fram also made one to adapt universally to any car. Do an ebay search, you should find several brands/types.
Remember to use flexible lines on a firewall mounted filter.

I never thought of using a Ford 8N or 9N tractor filter and I have one of these tractors sitting beside the garage Here is a drawing of the filter from Dennis Carpenter’s tractor catalog. According to his catalog this filter goes all the way back to 1939. One of these filters should be really easy to find, the filter elements are available at most parts stores.

The beehive filters were not available before the war. I have thousands of dry lakes photos from the 40s. If I remember right? The earliest picture I have of a beehive filter mounted on a hot rod is Scotty’s ’29 Roadster back in 1947. I found a 1949 beehive ad (see photo).

On the bottom of the original Fillcoolator beehive filters is a brass fitting marked A-4 (which was the model number) this fitting has a small restrictor hole in it to limit the amount of oil that flows through the filter. Many of the beehive filters I have seen for sale are missing this special fitting. I'm not sure if all bypass filters should have this restrictor fitting or not?

 

[Django]

'47 huh? That's good to know, and I'm surprised they are that early. The tractor looks like a good option too. Thanks!